G-et into God's Word
Psalm 32
'Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord ." And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord 's unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!'
R-eflect into God's Word
What are some consuming struggles you experienced?
In his book, The Call, Os Guinness describes a moment when Winston Churchill, on holiday with friends in the south of France, sat by the fireplace to warm himself on a cold night. Gazing at the fire, the former prime minister saw pine logs "crackling, hissing, and spitting as they burned. Suddenly, his familiar voice growled, 'I know why logs spit. I know what it is to be consumed."
Difficulties, despair, dangers, distress, and the results of our own wrongdoings can all feel consuming. Circumstances slowly drain our hearts of joy and peace. when David experience the consuming consequences of his own sinful choices, he wrote, "when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long... My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer" (v.3-4).
O-bey to transform
In such difficult times, where do we turn for help? for hope? Paul, whose experiences were filled with ministry burdens and brokenness, wrote, "We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" (2Cor.4:8-9).
How does that work? as we rest in Jesus, the Good Shepherd restores our soul (Psalm 23:3) and strengthens us for the next step of our journey. He promises to walk that journey with us every step of the way (Heb.13:5).
How did you respond? How did that meet you in those difficult times?
W-restle in Prayer
Father, give me the strength to endure the hardships of this day, and the hope of Christ for the eternal tomorrow you have promised.
#EndureHardships
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©ODB,Vol.27,pg.106
https://my.bible.com/bible/111/PSA.32.1-11